Natural Herbs for Children

Herbs have been safely used for thousands of years to treat children and adults alike. Plants have a powerful and full-bodied ability to heal and help restore the body instead of masking symptoms. Herbs may be used alone or in combination.

Lavender

Lavender is notorious for its relaxing and calming effect. It is great for burns, calms inflammation and helps heal the skin quickly. Always consult your doctor for severe burns. Put a few drops of essential oil on a cloth dipped in cold water and apply to the burn. Massaging lavender essential oil on the neck and shoulders will help relieve headaches and anxiety. Dilute in a vegetable oil before applying. The flowers can be placed in a tea bag for a gentle herbal bath for your baby.

Chamomile

Chamomile is a notable aid for indigestion, nervous stomach and insomnia. The tea has an apple flavor that children love, and it can be given before bed or after school to settle down. It is revered for teething, travel sickness and colic. It can also be added to a newborn's bath in a tea bag with the lavender. The bath is also wonderful for children with eczema, hives, diaper rash, irritated skin and heat rash.

Echinacea

Echinacea has long been used as a natural antibiotic for colds, flu and throat infections. It is best taken at the first signs of illness. An extract added to warm water or a tea from the dried herb is great for children. The extract is quite bitter, so look for a blend with licorice to mask the flavor. Other uses for echinacea tea would be for burns and insect bites. During summer keep some iced herbal tea handy.

Peppermint and Ginger

The ultimate travel tummy soothers peppermint and ginger should be a staple if your child gets motion sickness. Ginger settles most tummy aches and nausea, whether it's from travel or flu. Older children can chew crystallized ginger when flying or melt it in hot water to make a tea. Both herbs are helpful for gas pains, and peppermint is a very refreshing tea and easy to grow at home. Kids love using what they've helped grow. Bruise fresh leaves and pour boiling water over; let sit for 5 minutes.

Nettle

Dried nettle can be used as a tea or in a bath but for different purposes. The tea is helpful for allergies and bladder infections. The bath works to heal cuts, and for those with eczema, burns or other skin inflammations. Nettle is high in vitamins A and C and minerals, iron, silica and potassium. Nettle tea makes a fantastic hair rinse due to the silica content and is great for those with dandruff or itchy scalp.

Safety and Doses

Herbs are as safe as food but even with food, too much of a good thing can have undesirable effects.
Follow these guideline for safe doses of liquid extracts as per the bottle recommendation, and always add to milk or water:
6 mo to 1 year old, give 1/10 adult dose or about 7 drops
1- to 2-year-old, 1/5 adult dose or about 15 drops
3- to 4-year-old, 1/4 adult dose
6- to 7-year-old, 1/3 adult dose
9- to 10-year-old, 1/2 adult dose

For breastfeeding mothers, the adult dose can be taken by the mother, and it will be transmitted through breast milk to the infant.

When making teas with dried herbs for children, follow these guidelines:
0-2 years old, 2 to 3 tsp. of tea
2-6 years, 1/4 cup of tea
6-12 years, 1/2 cup of tea
12 years and older can enjoy a full cup of tea

References

• The Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Years; Susan Weed; 1986
• The Holistic Herbal Directory; Penelope Ody; 2001
• Nature's Medicine: Plants That Heal; Joel L. Swerdlow; 2000